Axom Troubleshooting Guide: Fix Crashes, Lag & Errors

Common Launch and Crash Issues

If Axom fails to start or crashes unexpectedly, begin with the most basic checks. Verify your system meets the minimum requirements by visiting our system requirements guide. Ensure your graphics drivers are updated to the latest version from NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel. A corrupted installation file is a frequent cause of crashes. Right-click Axom in your Steam library, select Properties > Installed Files > Verify integrity of game files. This process checks all game assets and replaces any damaged files.

Another common crash trigger is incompatible background software. Close unnecessary applications like MSI Afterburner, RivaTuner, or RGB control software before launching Axom. If the issue persists, try running the game as an administrator. Navigate to your installation folder (typically C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Axom), right-click Axom.exe, select Properties > Compatibility, and check "Run this program as an administrator".

Fixing Low FPS and Performance Stuttering

Axom's physics-driven swarm mechanics can be demanding. To improve performance, first adjust your in-game settings. Lower the Shadow Quality and Post Processing options, as these have the largest impact on frame rate. Disable V-Sync if you experience input lag. For persistent stuttering, cap your frame rate to 60 FPS using the in-game limiter or your GPU control panel.

Check your power settings. Ensure your PC is set to High Performance mode in Windows Power Options. Laptop users should connect their charger and verify the game is using the dedicated GPU, not integrated graphics. You can force this in your GPU control panel by adding Axom.exe to the program settings. For additional optimization tips, see our performance guide.

Resolving Audio and Sound Problems

If you encounter missing audio, crackling, or desynchronized sound, start by checking your audio output device in Windows. Right-click the speaker icon in your taskbar, select Sound settings, and ensure the correct device is selected. In Axom's audio settings, try switching between Stereo, Surround, and Headphones modes. A mismatch here can cause muffled or missing sound effects.

Update your audio drivers directly from your motherboard or sound card manufacturer's website. Windows Update often provides generic drivers that lack full functionality. If crackling persists, reduce the Sample Rate of your audio device in Windows Sound settings to 48000 Hz (DVD Quality). For more hardware-specific advice, refer to our settings guide.

Save File and Sync Errors

Steam Cloud saves can sometimes become corrupted or fail to sync. If you encounter a "Cloud Conflict" error, choose to upload your local save if it is the most recent, or download the cloud save if you suspect local corruption. To manually back up your progress, navigate to %AppData%\LocalLow\Hairy Penguin\Axom\Saves. Copy the entire folder to a safe location.

To disable Steam Cloud for Axom, right-click the game in your Steam library, select Properties > General, and uncheck "Keep game saves in the Steam Cloud". This prevents sync conflicts but means your saves will only exist locally. If you need to transfer a save to another PC, manually copy the files from the folder mentioned above. Learn more about save management in our save file guide.

Network and Multiplayer Connectivity

Although Axom is a single-player game, it requires a one-time online activation upon first launch. Ensure your firewall or antivirus software is not blocking Axom.exe or steam.exe. Add both programs to your firewall's allowed list. A stable internet connection is required for this initial handshake, even for offline play afterward.

For players using mods, ensure all installed mods are compatible with the current game version. An outdated mod can prevent the game from launching or cause unexpected behavior during gameplay. Check our mods guide for a list of verified, up-to-date mods. If you suspect a mod is causing issues, disable all mods and re-enable them one by one to identify the culprit.

General Bugs and How to Report Them

If you encounter a bug not covered here, such as units getting stuck on terrain or incorrect resource counts, try reloading your save. Many minor issues are resolved by restarting the game. If a bug persists, verify your game files again, as a partial update may have caused corruption.

To report a bug to the developer Hairy Penguin, visit the official Steam community hub for Axom. Include a clear description of the issue, steps to reproduce it, and your system specifications. Attaching a screenshot or a short video clip is extremely helpful. You can also check the patch notes to see if your issue has already been addressed in a recent update.

For a complete list of known issues and workarounds, refer to the official Axom FAQ. The developer is active in the community and regularly posts updates on upcoming fixes. If you are new to the game, our beginner guide can help you avoid common pitfalls that might be mistaken for bugs.